Versatile vise jaw



C. R. KINNEY VERSATILE VISE JAW Aug. l2, 1952 Filed July 19, 1950 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 u/ ,JKM 0 .0. mm m n w mvm/ g 2 y A v f L ,M .a .9 a 9 6 wm 5. H ,Q7/ NW I w M23 A, .V4 an, .a 4 4A, 32 .9 WM/ Wo .9 2 9 A, K, a, ..9 2 2 ATTE! RN EYE Patented Aug. 12, 1952 AUNITED STATES PATENT GFFICE vaasn'rrLE visa Jaw clair a. Kinney, Redwood city, Calif.

Application Joly 19, 1950, serial No. 174,730

This' invention relates to `work holders, and more particularly to face plates or-covers for vise jaws.

The object of the invention is toprovide a novel means for detachably mounting face plates or covers of a relatively soft material upon thV jaws of a vise'or other Work` holder, so that wor-- piecesA will not be marred or otherwise damaged by the pressure of the jaws thereon.

Another object of the invention is to provid means for mounting various face plates lon jaw. of` vises, whereby the metal jaws of a conventional vise will be covered with a relatively soft or flexible material, so that the worky being held will not be scratched or marred.

A further object of the invention is to provide face plates which arer extremely simple and inexpensive to manufacturer.

y OtherA objects and advantages will be apparent during the course of the following description. In the accompanying drawings forming `a part of this application, and in which like numerals are used to designate like parts throughout the same:

YFigure 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing the cover of the present invention applied to the jaws of a vise ;V

Figure 2 is a perspective View of one of the mounting magnets;

Figure 3 is a front fled cover;

Figure 4 is a top plan view of the cover oi Figure 3, showing a flexible sheet attached to the `face plate; Figure is an elevation of the flexible sheet and shows the sheet detached from the face plate of FigureY 4;

' Figure 6 is a side elevational view of another modified cover; l

`4Figure 7 is a frontelevational view of still another `modified cover;

Figure 8 is a sectional view taken through the assembly of Figure 7; y

Figure 9 is a front elevational view of still another modified cover; i

Figure 10 is a side elevational view, with parts broken away and in section, showing the cover of Figure '7 applied to the jaws of a C'cl'amp;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary side elevational view of a vise jaw with another modified cover applied thereto; j

' Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 11, but showing another modilied cover;

Figures 13, 14 and 15 are sectional views illuselevationalview of a modi- 1 olaim.- (c1. :s1-es) u trating different waysof connecting the magnet to the face plate.

Referring in detail' to Figures 1 and 2V of the drawings, the numeral 20 designates a conventional work holder, such as avise, the work holder 2i! including a slide 2i, a fixed jaw 22, and a movable jaw 23, there being an operating handle or lever 24 for moving the jaw .23. The jaws 22 and 23 are metal, and each of these jaws is provided with opposing faces 25, Figure 1.

The present invention is directed to a cover and means for mounting such a cover on each of the metal jaws of a work holder or vise, so that a work piece being clamped between these jaws will not be scratched, `marred or otherwise damaged by the pressure of the jaws. The cover of Figure 1 is indicated generally by the numeral 26, and the cover assembly 26 includes a` rectangular block 2:7 which is fabricated of a relatively soft material, such as wood. Arranged contiguous to one side of the block 2 is a magnet of the permanent type, and the magnet is indicated by the numeral 28. The magnet 28 has a sub'- stantially L shape, and includes a horizontally disposed ledge 29 which overlies the upper surface of the proper jaw 22 Or 23 so as toprovide an additional supporting means for the cover assembly.

Thus, when the cover assembly of the present invention is being used, the magnet 28 is arranged as shown in Figure 1, so that this magnet is contiguous to the face 25 of the jaw 22 orv 23. Due to the magnetism in the member 23, this magnet 28 will maintain the wood block 2l connected to the vise jaw 22 or 23. v

For connecting the magnet 28 to the wood block 21, the magnet 28 is provided with a plurality of spaced openings or apertures 3), Figure 2. Suitable securing elements, such aspscrews 3 I. extend through the countersunk openings 32 and into the block 21 for maintaining the magnet and block in assembled relation.

Projecting from one side of the block 2l is a plurality of grommets or studs 32, and these studs 32 provide an anchoringv means for a flexible sheet of felt, rubber, or leather, whenever such sheet is desired or required as an additional protective cover for the blocks 2l.

Referring to Figure 3, there is shown a slightly modied cover which is indicated generally by the numeral 33. The cover assembly 33 vagain includes the rectangular wood block 2l which is provided with the plurality of studs or grommets 32. However, in Figure 3, a rectangular, ilat mag. net 34 is secured to the block 2l by screws 3i,

and the magnet 34 is used in lieu of the magnet 28, but these magnets serve the same purpose.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5 of the drawings, it will be seen that a flexible sheet of felt, rubber, or leather is provided, and this sheet is designated by the numeral 35. The sheet 35 provides an additional protecting cover for the block 21, so as to insure that this block does not scratch or otherwise mar Work pieces which are being clamped between the jaws. For connecting the sheet 35 to the block 21, one end of the sheet 35 is provided with a pair of spaced apertures 36, Figure 5, and certain of the studs or grommets 32 extend through these apertures 36 in order to anchor one end of the sheet 35 to the block 21. The other end of the sheet 35 is provided with openings 31, and coil springs 38 each have an end arranged in engagement with the openings 31. A ring 39 is arranged on the other or free end of each of the coil springs 38, and the rings 39 are adapted to be arranged in engagement with other of the grommets or studs 32, whereby the sheet 35 will be maintained stretched across the work-engaging face of the block 21.

Referring to Figure 6, there is shown another modied cover for application to the jaws of a vise or work holder, the cover of Figure 6 being indicated generally by the numeral 40. The cover assembly 40 includes the wood block 21, and arranged contiguous to one face of the block 21 is a piece of steel, aluminum or iron which is indicated by the numeral 4l. This piece of material 4I may be secured to the wood block 21 in any suitable manner, as by rivets or screws. The piece 4| has a substantial L shape and includes a ledge I9 which overhangs or overlies the vise jaw when the cover assembly 4D is being used, and this ledge 42 serves to prevent tilting of slipping of the cover assembly 40. If desired, one of the ilexible sheets 35 can be wrapped around the wood block 21. Secured to the piece 4I is the flat bar magnet 34, and the magnet 34 again serves to provide a means for detachably connecting the cover assembly 40 to the proper metal jaw of the work holder. y

Referring to Figures 7, 8 and 10, there is shown another modified cover assembly for attachment to or application to the jaws of a work holder, such as a C-clamp 46. The cover assembly of Figures 7, 8 and 10 is designated generally by the numeral 42, and includes a block 43 which may be circular or cylindrical in shape. The block 43 may be fabricated of Wood, rubber or other soft material. Arranged contiguous to one face of the block 43 is a cylindrical magnet 44, and the magnet 44 is secured to the block by any suitable securing element, such as the screw 45.

The C-clamp 46 is conventional and includes a movable jaw 48 which is actuated by a screw member 49, and the C-clamp further includes a xed jaw 41. One of the cover assemblies 42 may be detachably connected to each of the metal jaws 41 and 48, so that Work pieces can be clamped between these jaws without damaging or otherwise marring such Work pieces. Thus, as shown in Figure 10, the fixed jaw 41 has the magnet. 44 of one of the cover assemblies 42 arranged contiguous thereto, while the other jaw 43 also has a cover assembly 42 detachably connected thereto.

In Figure 9, there is shown a slightly modified cover assembly which is indicated generally by the numeral 50, and the cover assembly 50 includes a rectangular block l which may be fabricated of any suitable soft material, such as Wood or rubber. Arranged contiguous to one face of the block 5I is a rectangular magnet 52, the magnet 52 being connected to the block 5I by suitable securing elements, such as the screw 45. The cover assembly is used in the same manner as the cover assembly 42 previously described.

Referring to Figure 11, there is shown another mod ication of the cover for attachment to a vise jaw, such as the vise jaw 22. The cover of Figure 11 is indicated generally by the numeral 53, and includes a magnet 54 which is adapted to be positioned contiguous to the face 25 of the jaw 22. The magnet 54 is secured to a strip 55 by any suitable securing elements. The strip 55 may be of any suitable material, such as copper, brass, aluminum, or other soft metal or material.

In Figures 13, 14 and 15, there are shown several different ways for connecting the magnet 54 and strip 55 together. Thus, in Figure 13, rivets 56 connect the magnet 54 and strip 55 together, while in Figure 14, screws 51 are used for connecting these members together. In Figure 15, bolt-and-nut assemblies 58 are used to connect the strip 55 to the magnet 54.

Referring to Figure 12, there is shown a further modied cover which is designated generally by the numeral 60. Cover 60 includes an L-shaped magnet 6l which is adapted to have its upper, horizontal portion or leg 63 overlie the vise jaw 22, so as to prevent slipping or tilting of the cover 60. A suitable L-shaped strip 62 is secured to the magnet 6I by suitable securing elements, and the strip 62 may be fabricated of any suitable soft material, such as copper, brass, aluminum or any other soft material.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that a cover or face plate, as Well as a novel means for mounting such face plates on the jaws of vises or other work holders have been provided. Thus, in Figures 1 and 2, the blocks 21 or face plates 21 are detachably connected to the opposing faces 25 of the jaws 22 and 23 by means of the magnet 28. Thus, nished work pieces, or any work piece, can be clamped between the jaws 22 and 23 without any danger of these Work pieces being scarred or otherwise damaged by the metal jaws 22 and 23. Also, if desired, the flexible sheet of belt, rubber or leather 35 shown in Figures 4 and 5 can be extended around the face plate or Wood block 21 so as to provide an additional soft covering to prevent scratching of the work piece clamped in the vise or other work holder.

In Figures 7 through 10, there is shown cover assemblies for use on work holders, such as a c-clamp 46. The blocks or face plates 43 which are fabricated of wood, rubber or other soft material, again serve to prevent the work piece from being scratched or otherwise damaged.

The cover assembly of the present invention is simple and inexpensive to manufacture, and may be quickly and easily attached to any ordinary metal vise jaw, whereby such a vise can be converted into a woodworking vise, whereby wood pieces or other soft Work pieces will not be scratched while being held in the vise. The magnets of the various cover assemblies hold the .face plates or blocks in their proper positions until the work piece is clamped by the vise. Then, the pressure of the vise holds the face plate and work securely. The magnets may be of any shape desired, as previously described in this application. The covers of the present invention can be easily attached to and detached from any ordinary metal-jaw vise. Metal jaws will be converted so that they can be used by persons engaged in Woodworking as well as persons in the plastics, leather and other allied fields. Also, the cover assemblies can be tilted, if desired, and due to the provision of the magnets, the covers will remain immobile in their tilted positions. The cover assemblies of the present invention will save space in shops, since they will eliminate the need for two types of vises, and when the covers are not being used,l they may be easily removed and conveniently stored. The cover assemblies shown in Figures 11 and 12 are particularly useful for machinists who are engaged in metal working operations which require that the jaws of the vise have a smooth surface. Thus, the cover assemblies of Figures 11 and 12 provide a smooth surface for the jaws and also provide a surface that is slightly softer than the metal or material being worked. The strips 55 in Figures 13, 14 and 15 can be removed and replaced as desired. The cover 50 of Figure 9 can be used for pony clamps, if desired. The magnets maintain the face plates in place while the clamp or vise is being adjusted and tightened, and when the vise is tight, the pressure of the jaws will maintain the face plates in proper position.

I claim:

In a cover assembly for the metal jaw of a work holder, a block, a plurality of spaced parallel studs extending from one side of said block, a magnet secured to said one side of the block and adapted to be arranged contiguous to the metal jaw, a flexible sheet extending around the other side of said block and provided with a plurality of apertures for engagement with certain of said studs, there being a plurality of openings arranged in the other end of said sheet, coil springs each having an end arranged in engagement with said openings, and a ring arranged on the free end of each of said coil springs for engagement with certain of said studs.

CLAIR R. KINNEY.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 48,431 Place June 27, 1865 99,626 Bergh Feb. 8, 1870 '723,518 Ellison Mar. 24, 1903 804,067 Stowe Nov. '7, 1905 2,258,686 Olney Oct. 14, 1941 

